St. Francis de Sales

Yesterday, January 24th, was the Feast day for St. Francis de Sales.

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was a bishop and a writer in the post-Reformation age. A former lawyer, his spiritual verve was legendary, elevating him to Bishop of Geneva at age 35. His most important written works are Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God. He was renowned for writing pamphlets resulting in thousands of conversions to the Catholic faith. A prolific letter writer with a kind and gentle manner, he carried on vast faith-filled correspondences.

His written works are full of love but the one writing that speaks most to me is of hope:

Do not look forward in fear
to the changes of life;
rather look to them with full hope
as they arise.
God, whose very own you are,
will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cared for you today
will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering,
Or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace
And put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

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